The Good Design Awards, founded by world famous architects Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames in 1950, has long been considered the “Oscars” of industrial design. Thousands of companies from over 38 different countries compete for these prestigious awards every year and the winners represent the most visionary and innovative product concepts the world has to offer.

It’s probably no surprise to watch aficionados that Fortis found itself in the winner’s circle in 2011. Fortis already has an enviable reputation for technical innovation and design excellence. When the Good Design Award jury awarded the Fortis B-47 Big Black Watch the Good Design Award for Personal objects, it only confirmed what Fortis owners already know: Fortis timepieces have always been about good design.

When Fortis managing director Peter Peter and his team initially conceived the Limited Edition Big Black Watch, they knew that a “stealth” watch makes no sense if it isn’t fun and it isn’t legible. Although the 47mm Big Black is large and a bit menacing, with its black PVD case and unidirectional rotating bezel, it is also eminently practical and extremely well designed.

A semi-opaque black dial partially reveals the Swiss ETA 2836 movement’s automatic day/date discs, while highlighting the current day and date with a bright white readout at 3 and 9 o’clock. The large, skeletonized white hands instantly indicate the time, without covering up too much of the fascinating looking dial. Although the indices are a stylish matt black on this stealthy design, the chapter ring has clearly marked Super-LumiNova hour markers for easy visibility day or night.

Unlike some stealth watches, which are virtually unreadable, the Fortis B-47 Big Black Watch is a practical tool that just happens to look great on your wrist. The trend-setting B-47 features a scratch resistant, anti reflective sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 660 feet. The PVD coated stainless steel case has been fitted with a comfortable black caoutchouc strap that perfectly complements the stealthy design. Production on this amazing award-winning timepiece has been limited to 2,012 pieces, to commemorate the historic 100th Anniversary of Fortis in 2012.

If you’d like to wear the watch that caught the eye of the world’s top designers, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and reserve your B-47 Big Black Watch today.